Pancreatic infection with Candida parapsilosis

Candida species other than C. albicans have been implicated as pathogens in intravascular (bloodstream, intravascular devices, endocarditis) and extra vascular (arthritis, osteomielitis, endophtalmitis) infections. C. parapsil osis, however, is rarely implicated in intra-abdominal infections (peritoni tis during peritoneal dialysis, complicating surgery or solid-organ transpl antation). We describe a case of a 48-y-old male with acute pancreatitis wh o had a pancreatic abscess produced by primary C. parapsilosis infection. A lthough he received adequate treatment with antifungal medication and surgi cal drainage, the outcome was fatal. Because the clinical findings are indi stinguishable from bacterial abscesses, Candida species should be considere d in cases of complicated pancreatitis, in order to establish a prompt adeq uate treatment.